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Cottages Iceland

Iceland, also known as the land of fire and ice, lies just below the polar circle and is known for its dramatic landscapes, authentic towns and natural wonders. Visit volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, lava fields and giant glaciers as you explore the interior of Iceland. With so much nature and different landscapes around you, there is always something to discover. Due to the many possible outdoor activities, every season is suitable to visit this beautiful country.

Iceland

Iceland, also known as the land of fire and ice, lies just below the polar circle and is known for its dramatic landscapes, authentic towns and natural wonders. Visit volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, lava fields and giant glaciers as you explore the interior of Iceland. With so much nature and different landscapes around you, there is always something to discover. Due to the many possible outdoor activities, every season is suitable to visit this beautiful country.

Iceland is the least populated country in Europe and two thirds of the inhabitants live on the southwest coast in and around the capital Reykjavik. When you move a little further north, farther from the capital, you imagine yourself in the beautiful nature between the exceptionally beautiful landscapes and while enjoying all the peace and space around you. But Reykjavik and its surroundings are also worth a visit!

Flora and fauna

An important characteristic of Iceland is that there are almost no trees on the island. The forests that were present were cut down during colonization. After this, a desertification process took place. Through the volcanic ash and the strong winds, sandstorms occurred. The consequence of this is that the trees grow very slowly. The trees that are present are limited to spruce, dwarf willows, dwarf birches and scrubland. Although the island consists largely of pebbles, rocks and arctic desert landscapes, many grasses, mosses and lichens occur. Orchids can also be found in certain places. Iceland's only forest is over 1200 hectares and can be found at Hallormsstadur in East Iceland.

Iceland is very difficult to reach for most mammals, with the exception of birds. The only land mammal that managed to reach the island is the arctic fox. The land mammals that are now present on the island have been introduced accidentally or intentionally. For example, the mink was imported because of its fur and reindeer were intentionally imported. Large reindeer herds can be found in the neighborhood of Egilsstadir. Polar bears do not occur on the island, but a set-up specimen can be seen in Húsavík. Two types of seals live on the coast, the common seal and the cone seal or gray seal. In the clear waters around Iceland a lot of fish is found, such as trout, salmon, flatfish, eel, the brook knight, cod and the three-spined spiny bass. Whales and dolphins also live there, which you can spot during a boat trip! The whales appear at the beginning of June and go away at the end of August. Seesaw dolphins and orcas are also regularly spotted!

Iceland is very suitable for bird lovers. Huge seabird colonies are found along the coasts. The cliffs, lakes, rivers, beach plains and marshes offer an ideal breeding ground for the birds. The most common birds along the coast include the alk, the guillemot, the puffin, the fulmar and the Kittiwake. There are also different bird species in the interior, such as the harlequin duck, the icelandic spectacle diver, the wild swan and the eider duck. In the west of the country you can spot the bald eagle and in the summer swallows fly.

Activities

Because of the many natural phenomena, there is a lot to discover and see in Iceland. In the winter, for example, look for the northern lights that can be seen regularly between September and April. Be blinded by this beautiful light show, which illustrates nature at its best. Or visit an ice cave! At the Langjökull glacier, the second largest glacier in Iceland, you can find an ice cave no less than 500 meters long and about 40 meters deep. If you are only staying in Iceland for a few days, the Golden Circle is a nice route to drive. During this route of approximately 300 kilometers you will pass a number of highlights. This way you can make a stopover at Gullfoss, Geysir and Pingvellir, one of the national parks. If you have enough time, there are plenty of other exciting places along this route. Another popular stop is Kerið, a clear blue crater lake, located between Reykjavik and Gullfoss. Or stop en route at Faxi, a 7 meter high and 100 meter wide waterfall. A true spectacle!

Even in the summer there is more than enough to do. The sun does not set in the summer months, a phenomenon that is also referred to as midnight sun. This is good news if you want extra time to discover the country. For example, take a trip to a waterfall in the evening, or visit another highlight. It is often quieter in the evening. You can also take a boat trip in the summer to spot whales, take a glacier walk, go horse riding, rafting or even paraglide.

Another "must-do" is a visit to the Blue Lagoon. Relax in this clear blue water that can reach 37 ° C! If you are looking for a quieter place, visit Laugarvatn Fontana, this geot